Challenge Course Facilitator

Description

The CLIMBucknell Challenge Course is located at the Cowan Forrest Brown Conference Center and overseen by Outdoor Education & Leadership (OEL). This extensive challenge course features both low and high elements, a climbing tower and zip line. The challenge course is an interactive and educational space designed to teach students, faculty, staff and outside groups skills including leadership, teamwork, group dynamics, risk assessment, and personal reflection. Goals of the program include enhancing life skills through participation in challenging and fun educational activities by problem solving and team development.

CLIMBucknell Challenge Course Facilitators must have a strong desire to help participants and colleagues seek and learn from a variety of challenges. In this position, you will be responsible for devising, setting up, teaching, and safely guiding multipe participants through a series of programmed elements to achieve their desired outcomes by way of experiential learning. Facilitators will use the CLIMBucknell Challenge Course to provide an opportunity for groups to recognize and safely reach their potential. This will include promoting self-confidence, positive group dynamics, providing feedback and assisting groups in expanding their problem solving abilities. The goals of the facilitator will be to foster Challenge, Leadership, Innovation and Motivation at Bucknell.

We are in search of motivated students, both eligible and not-eligible for work study, who are willing to begin work during the spring 2023 semester and continue on our team for every semester during their time at Bucknell.

TRAINING: The 40 hour CLIMBucknell Facilitator Training will take place over the spring 2023 semester (dates TBD based on needs/schedule of staff). Costs associated with this training are covered. Lodging and meals will be provided. This training is mandatory for all facilitators during the 2022/2023 academic year. Ongoing single day or weekend training opportunities will be associated with this position.

Duties

As a staff member of the Bucknell Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) team, CLIMBucknell Challenge Course Facilitators are first and foremost expected to foster a positive, safe and engaging environment for all individuals and hold a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Challenge Course Facilitator essential requirements are as follows:

-Safety and Supervision: Responsible for the safety of self, staff, and participants. Work will include the proper set up and take down of challenge course facilities as well as inspecting equipment and property, and documenting these inspections. Must be able to instruct participants on proper use of equipment and structures. Demonstrates good judgment while making independent decisions regarding all facets of the safe and effective use of the course. Understand and be able to implement the CLIMBucknell Challenge Course Emergency Action Plan, when necessary.

-Leadership and Planning: A facilitator is responsible for conducting a needs assessment with the participant contact, and for developing programming specific to the participants’ needs. Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, and be skilled with the empowerment of others. Able to deal calmly with stressful situations and people.

-Experience: Experience facilitating or participating in group processing/planning discussions is highly sought as well as familiarity with group/team development. Facilitators must successfully complete and pass the CLIMBucknell 40 hour training prior to beginning employment responsibilities.

-Physical: Programs take place in an outdoor, adventure oriented setting. Therefore, facilitators should have the ability to perform their required duties for extended periods of time when exposed to adverse conditions including, but not limited to, rough terrain, precipitation, temperature extremes, and wind. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and be able to lift and carry 35 pounds for extended periods of time.

-Communication: Excellent communication skills are required. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to both participants and other staff members. Ability to relate and work with diverse populations of participants.

-Teamwork: Team oriented and dedicated to the goals set forth by the CLIMBucknell Challenge Course program. Works as a valuable team member with others in scheduling, facilitating, and operating the CLIMBucknell Challenge Course.

Dependability: Responds to scheduling requests in a timely manner. Is reliable when scheduled. Conducts needs assessments, develops program plans, and communicates to co-facilitators in a timely manner. Arrives at facilitation site on time. Maintains a commitment to the success of the course. Follows local operating procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

-Strong desire to help participants and colleagues seek and learn from a variety of challenges

-Be a student of Bucknell University, at the Undergraduate or Graduate level

-Possess strong organizational and time management skills

-Excellent interpersonal skills

-Excellent written and oral communication skills

-Maintain a 2.0 GPA for Undergraduate and 3.0 for Graduate students

-Current First Aid and CPR certifications or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

-Experience in the Challenge course high ropes programming preferred

-Past facilitation experience of team building and low ropes initiatives preferred

Work Hours

2-10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, with opportunities for summer hours. Hours may vary throughout the semester.

Compensation

$12.00/hour starting

Application Deadline

February 10, 2023

How To Apply

Interested applicants may apply by using the OEL Employment Application. This serves as a general application for all OEL employment opportunities. When completing this application, you will be prompted to select which areas of OEL you are most interested in working for. Interested Challenge Course Facilitators should select the option associated with this position and the CLIMBucknell Challenge Course.

To access this application, click the SIGN UP/APPLY button and fill in your contact information and submit. Check your e-mail for a confirmation message which will share a link to our online application.